DATE= 04/27/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=BUSH TRADE (S)

NUMBER=2-289165

BYLINE=SCOTT STEARNS

DATELINE=CRAWFORD, TEXAS

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: President Bush wants more authority to negotiate overseas trade deals. VOA's Scott Stearns reports, Mr. Bush says Congress should give him that authority to help the U-S economy recover from recession.

TEXT: President Bush says Americans should not be complacent about good economic news this week showing a nearly six percent growth in the year's first quarter.

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Job creation and business investment are still not what they should be. We want short-term recovery to become long-term expansion. And one of the best ways to encourage high-paying jobs and long-term growth is expanded trade.

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In his weekly radio address, the president says he wants Congress to help him expand that trade by giving him the authority to negotiate overseas business deals that would then be put to legislators for a simple yes-or-no vote without amendment.

Trade authority passed the Republican-controlled House of Representatives five months ago. Mr. Bush says every day that Senate Democrats delay a vote is another day of missed opportunities to strengthen the U-S economy.

(SIGNED)

NEB/MEM